Quick guide to solid gold jewellery

Gold has been used to make jewellery for centuries, and solid gold jewellery is still one of the most trending types available. The term "solid gold" refers to gold alloyed or mixed with other metals, to create a material that's strong, durable and looks great. Whether you're looking to treat yourself or a loved one, we have an array of beautiful solid gold necklaces designed to be worn alone or styled with other pieces. 

What is the solid gold jewellery

Solid gold jewellery is the type of jewellery made of the mix of metals with pure gold, not metal that is covered then with gold. Solid gold is popular because it looks shiny, new for longer, and is a perfect gift. It does not get dull or old like the plated one.

When you wear solid gold, it will increase your confidence since you know that you wear something valuable and high quality. Solid gold jewellery is a sign of luxury that can be affordable to everyone.

Solid gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, or nickel. The solid gold carat is a measure of the purity of solid gold jewellery. The higher the carat, the purer the solid gold. Depending on another metal added to the alloy, gold can become rose or white gold.

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What type of solid is gold?

There are multiple classifications of solid gold that depend on different features of the gold jewellery.

Gold carats explained

The first one is based on carats. The solid gold jewellery carat is the purity of the gold. The higher the carat, the more pure the gold and less alloy producers add to the mix.

Let’s agree on the terms, as carat (ct) and karat (k) are both acceptable ways to talk about the purity of gold, and carat (ct) is more often used and created to describe the size of the stone. In this article, we are going to use those interchangeably.

Carats reflect the percentage of the gold in the metal and are calculated as 1/24 part of the pure gold. So the percentage of the pure gold in solid gold jewellery based on the carats will look the following:

  • 4ct gold contains 4 parts gold & 20 parts alloy, so percentage of the gold inside a piece of 4ct jewellery will be 16.7%
  • 9ct gold will consists of 9 parts gold and 15 parts alloy, resulting in 37.5% of pure gold (but not 100% pure, though) in the jewellery.
  • 14ct gold, as you may already guessed, has 14 parts of gold and only 10 parts of alloy, or it has 58.5% purity.
  • 18ct gold contains 75% of pure gold (18:6 gold to alloy ratio), 18ct gold ist a very popular type among our customer base.
  • 22ct gold and higher are considered already an investment opportunity.
  • 24ct gold is pure gold. Again, no gold can be 100% pure gold, but it reflects the highest caratage of gold.

Take a look at this chart, which summarizes all the information on gold caratage.

 

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The second classification is the type of alloy that was used in order to create solid gold. The most common metals that are being mixed with solid gold are palladium, silver, and copper.

And the last one is the solid gold color. The three colors that solid gold can have are:

  • yellow,
  • white gold,
  • rose.

Most solid gold jewellery on the market is made from yellow gold, but white and rose gold are also popular choices. Yellow solid gold is created by mixing pure gold with copper and silver, while white solid gold contains palladium or nickel. Rose solid gold gets its colour from a mix of yellow and copper solid gold.

Additional classification of the pieces can be done based on their type: rings, bracelets, engagement rings, pendants, earrings, etc.

Benefits of solid gold jewellery

There are many benefits to solid gold jewellery:

  • Solid gold is very durable and will not tarnish over time.
  • It is also hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for people with sensitive skin.
  • Solid gold is also a good investment because it tends to hold its value over time.
  • Withstand personalized engravings without, unlike gold plated options.

 baby hands with solid gold rings 

Cons of solid gold jewellery

There are a few drawbacks to solid gold jewellery as well:

  • It is more expensive than other types of jewellery,
  • It can be scratched or dented more easily than other materials.

What is 18k solid gold?

18k solid gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, or nickel. The solid gold carat is a measure of the purity of solid gold jewellery. The higher the carat, the more pure the solid gold. 18k solid gold contains 75% pure gold.

How to clean solid gold jewellery?

To clean solid gold jewellery, use a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the gold. Gently rub the jewellery with the cloth until it is clean. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Store solid gold jewellery in a cool, dry place.

What is the difference between solid gold and gold plated?

The main difference between solid gold and gold plated jewellery is that solid gold is made of pure gold, while gold plated jewellery is made of a base metal covered in a thin layer of gold. Solid gold is more valuable and durable than gold plated jewellery. It is also hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for people with sensitive skin.

 

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How to tell if gold is solid or hollow?

You can tell if solid gold is hollow by tapping on it lightly with a hard object—if it's solid, it will make a solid sound, but if it's hollow, it will make a hollow sound.

Another way is to hold solid gold up to your ear and shake it—if it's solid, you should hear a solid rattling noise, but if it's hollow, you'll hear a more muted sound.

Finally, you can check the weight of the piece—solid gold is usually heavier than hollow gold.

How to test real solid gold?

There are some easy ways to test your solid gold at home. The first way is by using a magnet. If the solid gold is attracted to the magnet, then it means that your solid gold contains other metals inside and it is not pure gold, because gold itself is not magnetic. 

Second, a more advanced option is you can use a nitric acid test. Put a drop of nitric acid to your solid gold, and if the solid gold turns into a greenish color then it means that your solid gold is not pure.

The last, the hardest way, is by using an XRF machine. This machine can give you detailed information about all of the metals in your solid gold jewellery.

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Where to buy solid gold jewellery

When it comes to choosing solid gold jewellery, it's important to consider the carat as well as the design. Our solid gold necklaces are available in a range of carats, from 8k to 18k so you can choose the perfect piece for you or your loved one.

If you're considering purchasing solid gold jewellery, 14k solid gold is a great option because it's less expensive than 24k solid gold but still contains a high percentage of pure gold.

With solid gold jewellery, you know you're getting a quality product that will last a lifetime. Shop our collection of solid gold jewellery!

How much is a solid gold chain

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The average solid gold chain costs between €100 and €500. The price of the solid gold chain depends on the carat, length, and thickness of the chain.

In you are looking at the vintage solid gold necklace options, then the price here can be much higher and go as high as €1000-€2000.

Another category, which can be pricier, is fine jewellery, which is usually made of solid gold, precious gemstone and diamond. This is jewellery art, so prices here are even higher.

What is a semi-solid gold chain?

A semi-solid gold chain is a solid gold chain that has been partially hollowed out. Semi-solid gold chains are less expensive than solid gold chains because they contain less pure gold. 

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Some people believe that solid gold jewellery is too formal for everyday wear. However, this is a matter of personal preference. If you love the look of solid gold, then go for it! There are plenty of beautiful and affordable solid gold pieces out there for daily wear. Just be sure to do your research before making any purchase!